Duke Johnson, Brandon Linder named preseason all-ACC

Miami’s sophomore tailback — and teammate Brandon Linder — were selected to the Atlantic Coast Conference’s preseason team at this week’s ACC media days in Greensboro, N.C. Johnson received the second-highest number of votes, trailing only Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd.

Boyd, the preseason player of the year, received 59 votes to Johnson’s 58. Johnson also earned nine votes as a special-teamer.

Johnson has been named to the preseason watch lists for several of college football’s most prestigious awards, including the Maxwell (player of year), Paul Hornung (most versatile) and Doak Walker (top running back) trophies. He enjoyed one of the best freshman seasons in UM history in 2012, amassing 2,060 all-purpose yards and 13 TDs, while breaking Clinton Portis’ 13-year-old school freshman rushing record with 947 yards.

Linder, a senior right guard and captain of UM’s experienced offensive line, received 28 votes. Quarterback Stephen Morris and right tackle Seantrel Henderson earned votes but did not make the team.